Prof Seumas Miller recently participated in the University Presidents’ Peace Conference at Hiroshima University, an annual academic summit held in conjunction with Hiroshima’s annual August 6 memorial commemorating the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Further information about the event is available from Hiroshima University: https://www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/en/international/news/99417.
Photo above: University Presidents’ Peace Conference at Hiroshima University with Prof Miller (first row, second to the right). Source: Prof Miller, copyright August 2026.
At the conference, Prof Miller presented on dual use research and technology alongside a philosopher and ethicist from the United States National Institutes of Health. His presentation addressed issues including gain of function research on pathogens, AI-generated pathogens, and ongoing dual use concerns relating to nuclear technologies and artificial intelligence. The topic proved particularly timely given recent developments in these areas.
Prof Miller brings extensive expertise to this field, having authored two books on dual use science and technology, including biosecurity issues in the biological sciences as well as nuclear, chemical and cyber domains. He has also led a research consultancy on these issues for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and hosted a workshop in The Hague on ferret flu gain of function experiments.
Inset left: Prof Miller presenting at the University Presidents’ Peace Conference. Source: Prof Miller, copyright August 2026
As part of the Hiroshima University delegation, which included university leaders from around the world, Prof Miller attended the main Hiroshima memorial ceremony, where the Prime Minister of Japan spoke and a message from the United Nations Secretary-General was delivered. He also participated in a smaller Hiroshima University memorial ceremony, undertaking ceremonial duties. Prof Miller attended the conference as a representative of Charles Sturt University, the only Australian university represented at the event, and has been invited to present again at next year’s conference.